Choosing a gift might require some thinking. A ‘gift’ is only a gift when it is given to somebody with a meaning. It is the ‘thought’ behind the gift that counts. Often, it gets confusing as a person gets stuck in a dilemma about whether the receiver will like it. It also gets puzzling when the person already has the same gift. Sometimes, our dear and loved ones stay far away in different parts of the world and it might not be possible to gift them in person. Therefore, the concept of physical gift cards or egift cards is a modern method that comes in very handy. It is an alpha-numeric code that contains a prepaid specified amount of money and can be used for various purposes anytime in the future.
Advantages:
E-gift cards have become popular solely because it carries with them a lot of advantages. Following are some of them:
Secure
Unlike a physical gift card which has the chance of getting damaged and lost, a digital card is simply just a code. It is secure as it can be sent via the email of the recipient following an authenticated mode.
Simple to carry
Practically, these gifts are always with the recipient. Since it is just a code, it always
stays on one’s phone. Everybody carries their phones everywhere. Thus, it is very convenient.
Enhanced brand awareness
Many brands come up with unique gift cards. Allowing the recipient to buy products from the brand increases the chances to make the name known to others. It has a compounding effect – it changes hands from one person to another, and more people consider buying the products of the brand.
Types of gift cards:
Gift cards can be divided into various types depending upon the type of base. To keep it simple, cards can be classified into two types based on acceptance:
Open Loop
These types are generally related to some kind of network such as Visa or MasterCard. It can be used anywhere which accepts these networks. Thus, it has a global reach.
Closed Loop
This type is only for selected brands. It does not necessarily have a global reach and can only be used at a few particulars locations.
How to send a digital card?
Digital cards are simple and easy to send to someone. The following steps can be followed for guidance:
- Many brands offer customized card options. Thus, the first step is a selection from the list of options available.
- Next, the amount with which the cards need to be debited is to be selected.
- The details of the recipient are to be filled – name, address, e-mail, phone number et cetera.
- Personalized messages can also be added to make the recipient feel loved about the gift.
- The final steps are related to the checkout procedure. The order that has been placed must be reviewed. The final selection and checkout will automatically send the digital gift to the recipient at their designated address.
Scams related to Digital Cards
Scammers use various methods to cheat and commit fraud. Such methods usually involve asking people to make online payments or share private details. They play around with the human sentiments of fear and allurement by requesting them to buy the gift cards. One should be aware of the scams as even though one might think that it is easy to avoid these scams, in reality, it is very difficult to differentiate between actual and fake. Digital Gift cards are known for their flexibility of use. It can be used for buying anything from the given list of brands. While it is a hand tool to gift, it is essential to know its understanding as well as the scams related to it. One must fully utilize the card as the biggest con of these cards is that people forget about them and cards expire with some amount of fund left as balance. As an aware recipient, one must utilize it efficiently and effectively.
